Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
The Forestry Commission in the Midlands Province has intensified the production of citrus tree seedlings in line with the Command Agro forestry targets.

The commission’s forestry extension manager in the province Mr Rodrick Nyahwayi said they have intensified grafting of fruit trees mainly avocado and they are targeting to produce 790 000 seedlings by 2019 under the Command Agro forestry programme.

“We are boosting the grafting of fruit trees this winter as it is the most favourable time to produce seedlings.

“Our central nurseries in all the districts are fully stocked with fruit tree seedlings. For the Gweru nursery alone we have so far done 3 000 fruit trees this month.”

He urged farmers to venture into agro forestry, which has a lucrative market. The country is planning to set up fruit processing plants in strategic areas.

“The command aspect of this programme shows that Government is committed to support it at all stages.

“We are moving towards an economy driven by technology and value addition therefore agro forestry is an opportunity for farmers to make money.”

Meanwhile, the Midlands Province is targeting to plant 500 000 trees this year including indigenous trees.

Mr Nyahwayi also said they are working with farmers to raise awareness on the benefits of agro forestry and encouraging farmers to adopt agro forestry in order to spread the risks associated with adverse weather and broaden their income base.

Forests play an important role in regulating climate change variability and provide other ecosystem services.

Zimbabwe is currently battling a rate of deforestation, which is estimated to be at 350 000 hectares per annum.